Bill Parcells becomes Miami Dolphins Executive VP of Football Operations
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The Miami Dolphins made the story official today: Bill Parcells has signed a contract to become the Executive VP of Football Operations. Parcells turned down a similar offer from the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, and it was brought to everyone's attention that he was talking to the Dolphins when Atlanta owner Arthur Blank said, "We met with him this morning to complete the contract," Blank said in the statement. "At that time, we were made aware by Parcells that he was considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins. He later informed us that he would not be signing a contract with us."
Parcells brings to the table a resume that includes 19 years of Head Coaching experience (with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and most recently the Dallas Cowboys). He has led his teams to 13 postseasons and 3 Super Bowls, winning 2 of them. Parcells has spent this season serving as an ESPN Analyst.
It has been reported that Parcells decided to turn down the Falcons and sign with the Dolphins because of his relationship with and respect for owner Wayne Huizenga. Huizenga was reported last week as shopping the Dolphins franchise or selling part of it. He had to assure Parcells that this was not going to happen.
Huizenga was quoted in a Miami Dolphins released statement, talking about Parcells.
"Bill’s accomplishments put him among the most successful head coaches in NFL history, and this position was created to take advantage of his unique background and expertise," Huizenga said. "We all know the respect that he has around the NFL. He has a proven track record of success everywhere he has been in the National Football League, and his football acumen will help put the Miami Dolphins franchise back among the elite of the NFL."
Parcells spoke of the Miami Dolphins rich tradition of winning and noted that he looks forward to bringing back that tradition. The Dolphins have not made the postseason since 2001, the longest drought in team history.
"I’m honored to join such an illustrious franchise as the Miami Dolphins and to work for one of the best owners in the league in Wayne Huizenga," Parcells said. "He shares my same commitment to winning and I told him I would do everything I can to help turn around the team’s fortunes.
"I respect what the Dolphins name means – the legacy of the Perfect Season, and people like Coach Shula, Dan Marino and so many others who have made the team one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. I’m looking forward to helping restore that winning tradition."
The decision to hire Parcells to take over final say of all Football operations could raise question about the future of Head Coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller. The Dolphins finally won their first game against the Baltimore Ravens last weekend after starting the season 0-13. Cameron and Huizenga have become good friends over the course of the season, and the hiring of Parcells could help make the decision if Cameron does need to be let go.
The general thought within the organization and amongst Dolphins fans is that Cameron will be retained and given a second chance, but with less control. The Dolphins 1-13 start is comparable to the starts of three notable Hall of Fame Head Coaches (Bill Walsh went 2-14, Tom Landry went 0-11-1, and Chuck Noll went 1-13 with the Steelers). Parcells and Cameron have a connection to Indiana University and are friends.
Should the Miami Dolphins lose the last two games of this season, as predicted, it wouldn't be the first time Parcells took over a 1-15 team. He took over the 1-15 New York Jets in 2007 and barely missed the playoffs, posting a 9-7 record. He then achieved a 12-4 record and reached the AFC Championship game just two years removed from their forgettable 1996 season.
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